Stephanie Canciello, unali artists
Quantum-Wireless.com recently had the unique pleasure of interviewing an internet pioneer, Craig Newmark. Craig established one of the most visited websites, craigslist.org. Almost everyone with a computer has browsed one of craig’s sub pages looking for a job, apartment or missed connection. He presented the idea of an online marketplace that’s completely free and patrolled by users. He still stays true to the original idea of an open marketplace where people can trade good and services without being blasted by advertising and other offers.
1. How did the idea for craigslist come about? Has it remained faithful to its original mission?
Pretty much everything at craigslist (note lower case c) arises from community feedback. I just started in 1995 with a simple events mailing list, and listened and did what people say they need and want. That continues to this day, under the leadership of Jim Buckmaster.
2. What is your reaction to the success craigslist has had?
It feels good that we’ve helped tens of millions of people helping each other out. It’s flattering, that (we’re going) back (to) do work, working (at) customer service.
3. How do you feel about being regarded as a revolutionary web entrepreneur? Do you view craigslist as a business, like say, Amazon or eBay?
I’m not revolutionary, not an entrepreneur, not a visionary or anything like that. I guess I am more of a community organizer. Craigslist is a community service and a business, that simple.
4. What do you think distinguishes craigslist from similar concepts that haven’t been as successful?
I don’t know of any others, but craigslist was built on the intention of helping other folks out and that remains our focus to continue to treat people like we want to (be) treated.
5. What are your thoughts on looking to craigslist as a social and political model? Is self governance something you believe in outside of the web?
Tens of millions of people have used craigslist, and they’ve seen there it’s easy to help each other out, to connect, and that continues elsewhere, like on Wikipedia. I strongly believe in self governance, and the consent of the governed.
6. As a site that has been largely consistent, what do you see for the future of craigslist? What do you see as the future for self governing and collaborative sites in general?
Future of craigslist is more of the same, adding more cities and more languages. We’re going to see a lot more of it, very soon, and that will dominate the Internet by the end of this decade.
7. How will Craigslist expand it’s mobile websites to accommodate increase in mobile internet use?
We do pretty well now, using a simple format that gives people the information they want. That works for mobile computing.
8. How is geo-locating going to change marketing in the future?
I think people will look at their mobile device and be able to see who and what’s near them. I’ve already done so.
